WASHINGTON TWP. — It’s been awhile since there’s been peace between the two political parties holding office here.

But with a new Democratic interim mayor at the helm of the ship, the Republican-led township council voted to pass an important measure Wednesday night with bipartisan support.

After careful consideration, Mayor Bob Smith nominated Municipal Services Director Nick Pileggi to serve as the interim business administrator for the next two months, replacing Mary Breslin, who retired last month after more than a decade with the township. The five-member council supported the idea. Pileggi has worked for the township since January 2009.

“In the short time that I have known him, I’ve been very impressed with his credentials as a public manager and his certifications,” Smith said as he thanked Pileggi for stepping up to “fill the vacuum” of leadership in the municipal building. “I think that the township will be in very good hands in terms of management during the period of time that he is serving.”

Giancarlo D’Orazio said Pileggi is “very professional” and has done a great job at responding to citizens’ requests and keeping he and council informed of any issues.

“I’m excited to have him next to me,” D’Orazio said, noting the business administrator’s seat on the dais is next to his during council meetings.

Councilman Daniel Morley also said he supported the decision, noting Pileggi’s previous experience with the township and as the business administrator for Monroe Township for five years.

“He’s got the background,” Morley said. “He can walk right into the job and manage it like he does with public works. It’s a plus for the town because right now we have holes that need to be filled.”

That other hole is the position of a chief financial officer. Smith said the vacancy has been “one of the biggest priorities since I’ve been mayor” – which has been just under three weeks.

Finding a new CFO is more difficult, Smith explained, because certain licenses are required. Since taking office, Smith has had an advertisement for the position posted on the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ website. He is also in discussions with a neighboring municipality – although he would not say which one – about a temporary shared service agreement for a CFO.

On a smaller scale, another measure Smith hope to move on Wednesday night – but council tabled – was introducing a $100 fee for marriage or civil union ceremonies administered by the mayor.

Smith said that while the fee wasn’t a priority on his to-do list, he thought it was something he could do immediately to give a little financial help to the township. Anyone getting married by the mayor would have to pay a $100 fee to the township, but the money would go to the parks and recreation department for athletics, he said.

“Whenever you get married in a church, there’s always a required donation or a fee that goes to the church,” Smith said. “I felt it was equitable because its a service, that somebody donate $100 to a township sports program.”

Smith said he hasn’t had any requests for marriage ceremonies yet, but he’s hoping he’ll have the chance to before he leaves office in early November.